????? Unraveling the Complexities of Mountain Flood Hazards: A Dive into the Interplay of Nature and Human Activity ?????

Greetings, esteemed LinkedIn community! Today, I'm delighted to embark on a journey that delves deep into the intricate realm of mountain flood hazards. Drawing from my experience in flood monitoring mapping across the captivating tourist tehsils of Himachal Pradesh, I invite you to join me in unraveling the tapestry of factors that contribute to flooding in these awe-inspiring landscapes.

Glacier Melting and Global Warming ?????: At the core of this phenomenon lies the inexorable warming of our planet. The warming trend expedites glacier melting, resulting in an immense release of water during the summer months. When coupled with heavy rainfall, this confluence triggers floods. The concerning facet? This process can even set off glacier outbursts and flash floods, presenting a formidable challenge in predicting such events with pinpoint accuracy.

Earthquakes and Landslides ????: In regions marked by seismic activity, earthquakes play a pivotal role. These geological convulsions lead to fractures and faults within the earth's crust. The repercussions are often landslides, causing temporary blockages of streams and rivers. The aftermath, when these "reservoirs" breach, is marked by sudden and devastating floods, a reminder of the complex interplay between natural forces.

Steep Terrain and Poor Infiltration ????: The very topography that renders mountains breathtaking also contributes to their vulnerability. The steep slopes and rocky surfaces impede the smooth infiltration of water. Instead, rainwater cascades swiftly over these surfaces, giving rise to rapid runoff and a heightened potential for flooding.

Sedimentary Rocks and Erosion ?????: The Himalayan Siwalik?Group landscape predominantly comprises sedimentary rocks, known for their susceptibility to erosion. This characteristic sets the stage for the accelerated transport of water and sediment downstream, intensifying flood scenarios and underscoring the dynamic nature of these environments.

Dam Construction ????? : Our imprint on these landscapes goes beyond their breathtaking beauty. Human-made structures, such as dams and associated infrastructure, alter the natural flow of water in mountain streams. These alterations affect not only the timing and volume of water release but also directly influence the downstream flood patterns.

Urbanization and Overpopulation ?????: The allure of mountain regions often sparks rapid urbanization and unchecked population growth. As urban structures dot the riverbanks, they disrupt the natural drainage patterns. This disruption, coupled with a diminishing land capacity to absorb water, contributes to an increased flood risk.

Deforestation ?????: The practice of clearing forests in these regions creates a ripple effect that disrupts the equilibrium of these delicate ecosystems. Deforestation accelerates surface runoff and erosion, accompanied by shifts in precipitation patterns that further alter flood dynamics.

Differential Rainfall Trends ?????: In recent research, it has been noticed that mountains witness rainfall patterns distinct from those found in the plains. Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) rainfall has increased in the Ganga mountainous area since the last few decades, raising flood risk, while the alluvial region experiences decreasing rainfall due to various factors, offering insights into the Ganga River basin's hydrological changes. This differential plays a significant role in impacting the volume and timing of water entering river systems, frequently contributing to flood events that challenge both infrastructure and communities.

Drainage Patterns and Floodplain Encroachment ?????: Nature's drainage patterns are both a blessing and a challenge. While they disperse floodwaters, they can also concentrate their force. Human encroachment onto floodplains disrupts these patterns, diminishing the land's capacity to absorb water and subsequently intensifying flooding impacts.

Sediments in Water: Unraveling a Critical Element ????: An intriguing facet I encountered during my exploration is the profound impact of sediments. In fact, even modeling a single local flood event can be dramatically affected by the presence of sediments. As water carries these sediments from the main channel, they are deposited along floodplains. This deposition alters the channel's capacity, potentially leading to an increase in flood risk and water residence time—a compelling insight gleaned from research.

Himachal Pradesh: Losses due to floods estimated at Rs 5,077 crore ????: Adding a stark reality to this narrative, the latest statistics by news website Telangana today highlights the economic toll of floods in Himachal Pradesh, estimated at a staggering Rs 5,077 crore. A somber reminder of the urgency of understanding and mitigating these hazards.

Recent Incidence in Delhi ????: The consequences of these factors manifest in recent incidents in Gangetic plains, such as the flooding in Delhi. The city's urbanization and encroachment onto floodplains amplified the impact, serving as a stark reminder of the repercussions of unchecked development in flood-prone areas.

As we unravel this intricate tapestry of mountain flood hazards, it becomes increasingly evident that their management necessitates a holistic approach. Balancing the delicate dance between environmental processes and human intervention is paramount. Climate change, urbanization, deforestation, seismic activities—these elements have woven a symphony that plays out as floods, underlining the critical importance of preserving this delicate equilibrium.

In my understanding of these multifaceted factors, we pave the way for judicious urban planning, sustainable growth, and informed choices. It's a journey toward resilience that intertwines science, policy, and community engagement.

I eagerly anticipate further dialogue. Please share your insights, experiences, and innovative solutions for mitigating the impact of floods in mountain regions. Together, let's forge a brighter, safer future for these breathtaking landscapes. ???????

Carly Carroll Dr. Somil Swarnkar Chetan Singh Solanki Dr Delton Chen HUZAIFA AHMAD Dr. M Nazish khan Asif Saud MD. ASIF IQUBAL Haris Hasan Khan Dr. Mohd Firoz Ahamed Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh UN Climate Change Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Dr. Earu Banoth Green Climate Fund Greenpeace Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) of the University of Twente Iain Jackson NPTEL Parisa Niknejad, E.I.T Muhammad Qasim Mahmood Hameed Ur Rahman Zia Ahmad 瑞士苏黎世联邦理工学院

Major References & weblinks:

Somil Swarnkar, Shivendra Prakash, Suneel Kumar Joshi & Rajiv Sinha?(2021)?Spatio-temporal rainfall trends in the Ganga River basin over the last century: understanding feedback and hydrological impacts,?Hydrological Sciences Journal,?66:14,?2074-2088,?DOI:?10.1080/02626667.2021.1976783

Nones, M. Dealing with sediment transport in flood risk management.?Acta Geophys.?67, 677–685 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-019-00273-7

Swarnkar, S., Mujumdar, P. & Sinha, R. Modified hydrologic regime of upper Ganga basin induced by natural and anthropogenic stressors.?Sci Rep?11, 19491 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98827-7

Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Himachal Pradesh- The New Indian Express

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